Aronia berries are known for their high antioxidant powers. The common American name for the berry that grows on the plant is the chokeberry.
Perhaps the most popular of this berry is the Black Chokeberry (Aronia melancarpa/Aronia melanocarpa). Due to the dark color of the berries, the fruit is high in antioxidants.
The berries are closely related to blueberries and have higher antioxidant levels than blueberries or even pomegranates.
Although the berries are native to North America, they have become popular in Europe and are grown there in gardens and on berry farms. The aronia juice produced from the berries is known to help people with heart problems.
Benefits
The berries have high levels of proanthocyanins and quinic acid, which prevents urinary tract infections. In fact, the berries are have ten times the amount of quinic acid than do cranberries.
Including polyphenols and quinic acid, here are some of the other benefits of the aronia berry.
- Polyphenols
- Anthocyanins
- Quinic Acid
- Vitamins, especially Vitamin C
- Minerals
- Flavonols
And from these benefits, there are these human diseases or health problems that the berries help to eliminate or prevent.
- Diabetes
- Inflamation
- Cardiovascular Ailments
- Circulatory Problems
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Influenza (Flu)
- Cancer
The University of Maryland did a study on the choke berry and found that this antioxidant berry may provide protection against colon cancer (Source: Nutrition and Cancer 2006). The berry also has a high ORAC Value.
Uses
Historically, the berries were consumed by Native Americans right from the vine. They also used them for dye, as the berries are very dark in color.
Nowadays, the berries are used to make jelly, candies, pies, breads, cookie fillings, yogurt, flavored milk, aronia juice and sorbet among other things.
Availability
It’s been reported that the Aronia Plant is very easy to grow and that is grows quickly.The aronia plant can be purchased online. In fact, you can even purchase the plant on line.
KENNETH BLYTHE
Saturday 18th of September 2021
This is more like a question than a comment but I am trying to find out whether the color of the chokeberry determines the nutrient or does the color make a difference in the benefits ?